Submit a paper which is 2 pages in length (no more – no less), exclusive of the reference page. Paper should be double spaced in Times New Roman font (or its equivalent) which is no greater than 12

Evaluation Rubric

Evaluation Dimensions

Performance Ratings

Needs Improvement Competent Exemplary Score

Purpose

Does not clearly state the central purpose, arguments, or goals of the project; displays lack of focus or detail

Clearly identifies the central purpose, arguments, or goals of the project, but sometimes digresses

Effectively describes and explains the central purpose, arguments, or goals of the project; explanation is focused, detailed, and compelling

20%

Content

Content is unclear, inaccurate, and/or incomplete; support for the central purpose, arguments, or goals of the project is weak or poorly discussed; displays only rudimentary knowledge of the content area; reader gains few if any insights

Presents clear and appropriate information that adequately supports the central purpose, arguments, or goals of the project; demonstrates satisfactory knowledge of the content area; reader gains some insights

Presents balanced, significant, and valid information that clearly and convincingly supports the central purpose, arguments, or goals of the project; demonstrates in-depth knowledge of the content area; reader gains important insights

50%

Organization

Information/content is not logically organized or presented; topics/paragraphs are frequently disjointed and fail to make sense together; reader cannot identify a line of reasoning and loses interest

Information/content is presented in a clear and reasonable sequence; topic/paragraph transition is usually good with clear linkages for the most part; reader can generally understand and follow the line of reasoning

Information/content is presented in a logical, interesting, and effective sequence; topics flow smoothly and coherently from one to another and are clearly linked; reader can easily follow the line of reasoning

20%

Style and Tone

Writing is unengaging, and reader finds it difficult to maintain interest; tone is not consistently professional or suitable for an academic research project

Writing is usually engaging and keeps the reader’s attention; tone is generally professional and appropriate for an academic research project

Writing is compelling and sustains interest throughout; tone is consistently professional and appropriate for an academic research project

5%

Use of References

Most of the references are from sources that are not peer reviewed or professional, and have uncertain reliability; few if any appropriate citations are provided; reader doubts the validity of much of the material

Professionally legitimate references are generally used; clear and fair citations are presented in most cases; most of the information/content/evidence comes from sources that are reliable

Presents compelling evidence from professionally legitimate sources; attribution is clear and accurate; references are primarily peer-reviewed professional journals or other approved sources

5%

Final Comments